For the first time since the team formed four years ago, the Cape Girardeau Roller Girls (CGRG) ended with a winning season. The team is equally proud of the over $5000 it donated to six local charities along with its winning record.

The CGRG ended the year-long season with 7 wins and 3 losses in a schedule that included 7 away games and 5 home games, two of those being intra-league ‘mash-ups’ to open and close the season. The CGRG started the season on fire, winning their first 4 away games, traveling as close as St. Louis and as far away as Clarksville, Tennessee.

They remained undefeated after shutting down Derby City and the West Kentucky Rockin’ Rollers at home. A proud team with a bit of well-earned notoriety attended the Midwest Derby Fest in June where they received their first loss of the year, but were pleased with their 2-2 tournament result.

Head of Training, Carrie DeArman (aka Molotov), attributes much of the team’s success to a renewed focus on basics. “Focusing equally on teamwork and individual skills really helped us to be able to excel beyond our opponents in 2013. This year we were just as strong defensively as we were offensively, which wasn’t always the case in previous years. I look forward to even more individual and team progression in 2014.”

When the team began in 2010, they were committed to being a nonprofit organization and also to giving back to other nonprofits in the community. A portion of proceeds from every bout is donated to a local nonprofit voted on by the team members. In 2013 the team gave over $5000 to local organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Southeast Hospice, Cape Parks and Recreation, and Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary. In addition league members participated in local events supporting the Special Olympics, SEMO Food Bank, Room For One More, and Southeast Hospice.

Team Treasurer and Vice President Jen Rose (aka Me-Ya Wham) explains “Since the inception of the Cape Girardeau Roller Girls the league has placed a priority on giving back to the community and we are proud that in 2013 we continued this tradition by providing our support both through participation in events and monetary donations.”

While there may be a few more bouts added, the 2014 schedule is as follows:

The 2014 schedule is still in development, but future details on practices, bouts and publicity events can be found at www.CapeGirardeauRollerGirls.com, as well as on Facebook, and Twitter. Check these sites for upcoming information about becoming Fresh Meat, the 90-day training period required to become a Cape Girardeau Roller Girl.